Currently I am not a hardcore fisherman. I am learning alot and this is the first season I plan to devote a majority of my time to it. Based on this limited knowledge I hate to focus on 1 species of fish and lower my catching opportunites i.e just using bass sized lures. I am more interested in catching whatever is in the water and increasing my catches as well as having bass and decent sized fish surpises occasionally.

My question is UL-L-ML what power do you suggest for probably a majority of smaller fish with bass being able to be caught.

I am thinking that 1-16oz and 1/8oz are the most versatile lure sizes. I would also like to be able to throw 4-5" senkos occasionally.

A medium power, fast action rod will probably cover the broadest range of baits and fresh water species. One setup is really hard to cover everything so there will be some compromises.

A medium power, fast action rod will probably cover the broadest range of baits and fresh water species. One setup is really hard to cover everything so there will be some compromises.

I was going to suggest the same rig

I tend to agree with Mr. Delaware Valley Tackle a lot haha.

for casting, i would not go lower than medium-light. some guys may think ultra light is fun but it's bad for the fish (if you plan on catch-and-release). you may want to consider going medium to medium/heavy for casting and adding a medium-light spinning outfit. i'm not particularly fond of spinning but it does have its place and excels at the lighter applications.

light or medium light fast. You will be able to fish more lures effectivly than a medium or ul , imo.

I was going to suggest the same rig

I tend to agree with Mr. Delaware Valley Tackle a lot haha.

X3 !!!!!!!!!

Don't match your set-up to your quarry. Match it with the cover, and then your lure. I have caught my share of 5+ bass on a light spinning rod, and contrary to popular opinion, it's not any more harmful to the fish (ask Fish Chris). I have also caught more than my (fair) share of dinks on MH casting rods.

A medium power, fast action rod...

This

My first year I got serious about bass fishing I had one ML 6'6" rod with a 3000 size spinning reel. Somebody sold me the rod for $10 because the cheap rod I had lost a guide and I just needed something. It definitely caught me some fish that season, but the ML power was a little unruly when it came to dealing lures getting caught um in weeds and the like.